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Research Topic

Executive Functions in psychiatric disorders

About this Research Topic

Executive Functions comprise a range of neuropsychological processes related to intentional behavior and cognitive control. There are several theoretical models defining and explaining the concept of Executive Functions. Most of these models consider that the term Executive Functions encompasses cognitive ...

Executive Functions comprise a range of neuropsychological processes related to intentional behavior and cognitive control. There are several theoretical models defining and explaining the concept of Executive Functions. Most of these models consider that the term Executive Functions encompasses cognitive process as working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and another complex functions as planning, problem solving and abstract reasoning. Other models argue that motivational and emotional functions, such as affective decision-making, reside under the concept of Executive Function.

Much evidence supports how complex cognitive functions relate to the physiological activity of brain networks, including the frontal cortex and its connections with subcortical structures. Several psychiatric disorders related to impairment in these brain networks (eg., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and drug addiction) leading to deficits in Executive Functions. These cognitive deficits affect patients’ everyday functioning, worsening the clinical course of disease. For example, deficits in Executive Functions are related to suicide behavior in bipolar disorder patients. Furthermore, these deficits also relate to obesity, a lack of adherence to treatment and an underperformance in workplace and educational settings.

The understanding of the role of deficits in Executive Functions, including its neurobiological basis, developmental trajectories and relationship with clinical outcomes, is fundamental to improve clinical management of psychiatric patients.

This research topic aims to include interdisciplinary contributions related to the understanding of the deficits in Executive Functions, the development of these functions, and its relationship with clinical manifestations in psychiatric disorders. We are interested in both empirical and theoretical contributions related to:

1) Conceptual models of Executive Functions and its relationship with specific psychiatric disorders. 2) Neurobiological basis of Executive Functions in psychiatric disorders. Studies including molecular findings, endophenotypes and neuroimage, are of special interest. 3) Relationship between deficits in Executive Functions and clinical outcomes in psychiatric disorders (eg., suicide, aggression, learning disabilities and functional deficits in the workplace). 4) Clinical approach (both assessment and intervention) of deficits in Executive Functions in psychiatric disorders.

Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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